Matthew 6:4

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:4 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 6:4 belongs to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches His disciples about righteous living. In this passage, Jesus addresses the practice of giving alms—charitable assistance to the needy—and contrasts the proper motive with the behavior of hypocrites who give to be seen by others (Matthew 6:2).

Meaning

The instruction to give alms in secret calls for humility and selflessness. Jesus warns against performing good deeds merely to gain praise, urging His followers to act with sincerity and a genuine desire to help others. The second half of the verse assures believers that the Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward openly. This reward may not be material or immediate; it may come as spiritual blessings, a deeper relationship with God, or eternal recognition in the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Greek term for alms (eleemosyne) and the phrase “in secret” (en to krypto) highlight the private nature of true piety. God’s knowledge is perfect; He sees what is hidden and weighs the motives of the heart. The certainty of the reward rests on God’s character, not on human recognition.

Biblical connections

This verse is part of a broader section in Matthew 6 covering three spiritual practices—giving, prayer, and fasting—all to be done with sincerity before God. The contrast with the hypocrites in Matthew 6:2 underscores that the Father’s approval is not dependent on public display. The reward is both present and future, and its timing and manner remain God’s prerogative.

Application

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a private devotional life, performing acts of charity for God’s eyes alone. This teaching calls for a heart that seeks God’s approval above all else, trusting that He recognizes and appreciates sincere efforts to help others. It also reminds us that our primary focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking validation from people.

Reflection

Matthew 6:4 invites us to examine our motives in giving. It assures us that our Heavenly Father, who sees everything done in secret, will reward us openly according to His perfect knowledge and wisdom. This promise encourages faith and humility, freeing us from the need for human applause.